Reviews

Children’s Literature ReviewThis 25-project book introduces seven-to-ten-year olds to rivers and streams as particular geographic features that influence the environment, animals including human beings, plants and climate. Author Siegel carefully defines her words and organizes do-it-yourself projects for interested students. Some seven- and eight-year olds might need help reading and following the material, but students in the older age range should be able to navigate the material independently. Tom Casteel’s illustrations clarify the text, identify different animals and plants, and introduce an element of humor to the science. Definitions are pulled out in “words to know” boxes and interesting trivia (10,000 species of moss!) dot the text. This is an excellent STEM text that introduces the scientific method and the concept of science journaling. It is strong on comparisons and observation, both good scientific skills to have in the classroom and in the real world. Teachers and parents can easily encourage children to continue or expand the projects.

Praise for other books in theExplore Your World! series:

Explore Forces and Motion! With 25 Great ProjectsSchool Library Connection“Looking for ways to introduce, reinforce, and build on abstract physics concepts for young children? The author manages to make physics concepts simple in a light, accessible tone that will keep readers engaged. This very colorful text includes a timeline (not often seen in a book on physics), glossary, resources, essential questions, QR codes, primary source icons, and more. The real strength is the suggested projects that are simple to conduct yet essential in understanding concepts such as force, buoyancy, and magnetism. This would make an excellent addition to a classroom textbook to reinforce and demonstrate concepts. Librarians will love the focus on primary sources and scientific process.”

Puget Sound Council for the Review of Children’s MediaRecommended -- Superior in style, liveliness, integrity and format.
“This series, each book subtitled “With 25 Great Projects” is one that merits a place in every library serving children. Each book begins with a timeline, and a solid introduction. “Words to know” are defined throughout the book, and QR codes lead to interesting videos. (If the QR codes don’t work the book provides keyword prompts to lead young researchers to the right information.) Science practices are defined, and interesting projects follow that teach important principles. An extensive index, bibliography, and glossary follow. This book focuses on physics, introducing Newton, Einstein, Galileo and more. The basic forces around us are defined, explained, and explored through hands-on projects. Much of the information is on an advanced level, but explained so younger students can understand it. There’s interesting information to be found here, and the projects are unique and STEM oriented. Buy the whole series.”

National Science Teachers Association (NSTA Recommends)“Physics is fun with this colorful and informative book for students ages 7–10. Using the theme of motion, the book encourages readers to push, pull, spin, twist, and turn their way to learning basic concepts of force and motion. There are ample activities and projects throughout the book that provide the reader with ways to explore forces and motion and learn basic concepts while having loads of fun. . . Students will enjoy the fun graphics in the book. A cartoon turtle and chicken lead students through the reading and activities by providing comedy and demonstrations on how to do the activities in the book. The color and design graphics are bright and capture the interest of the reader.”

Explore Comets and Asteroids!National Science Teachers Association Recommends
“Not just a book, an adventure! As you pick up and flip through Explore Comets and Asteroids! you begin to engage in a print experience that opens your eyes and mind to exploration in our galaxy and beyond. While this is print based, it is linked to the extraordinary volume of additional resources of the internet while firmly grounded with study information that one holds in the hand. The pages include QR codes with key word prompts to facilitate research on the content, 25 projects to engage the learner, vocabulary boxes within the content to assist with understanding, and abundant graphics to visually illustrate the concepts. There are also the important element of comic relief in the form of kid friendly “asides” that use play on words. “Did you Know?” and “Time to Discuss” prompts entice memory of key events in astronomy.

This paper bound book could be considered a mini course in the subject of comets and asteroids that serve to either develop knowledge or review it. The writing is clear and well organized into 6 chapters. The overview, in the form of a timeline, sets the stage for the understanding of our advancement of knowledge and understanding of these celestial bodies as our technology that is used to study them improved. Facts, figures, and concepts are addressed in an entertaining, yet educational manner, to engage the learner in the learning process and reward him/her with insights, understanding, and even encourage career planning. While it may appear to be a book for young readers, do not let it fool you. There is something for everyone as there is more to learn than first meets the eye. Want to read a book to your child, grandchild. or class? This might be a welcome change that increases interest in the study of the skies and beyond.”

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Detailed Book Description

Why are rivers and streams important to life on Earth?

In Rivers and Streams! With 25 Science Projects for Kids, readers ages 7 to 10 dive in and discover how rivers change the shape of the land while plants, animals, and humans change the shape of rivers. Kids learn about the vital role that rivers and streams have played in human history and explore the ways rivers and streams might affect our future.

Talking about earth science means talking about climate change. How are rivers affected by our changing climate, and what can we do to help rivers and streams stay healthy in their changing environment? Rivers and Streams encourages kids to think creatively as they search for actionable solutions to the problems faced by today’s waterways.

Student-led science projects that promote the use of the scientific method let kids get their hands wet and their minds working as they make real-life connections to the text. Fun facts, engaging illustrations, links to primary sources, timeline, glossary, and resources make this a terrific introduction to one of earth’s most important resources—rivers and streams!